Hidden Within

Name: Hidden Within
Start: 2026-07-09
End: 2026-07-09
Location: Vilnius

The "Hidden Within" exhibition at the Vilnius Church Heritage Museum showcases a rare collection of royal burial insignia belonging to 16th-century Lithuanian and Polish rulers. These artifacts, including funeral crowns, a scepter, and an orb, were hidden for nearly a century to protect them during World War II and were only recently rediscovered in late 2024.

Date: Jul 9, 2026
Location: Vilnius

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Event summary

Highlights

Rediscovered royal burial crowns of Alexander Jagiellon, Elizabeth of Austria, and Barbara Radziwill
Unique 1533 medallion featuring portraits of Sigismund the Old and Sigismund II Augustus
First public display of these specific royal insignia in nearly a century
Collection of personal Renaissance-era jewelry including rings with rare gemstones

The "Hidden Within" exhibition is a landmark event held at the Vilnius Church Heritage Museum, featuring recovered funerary regalia of King Alexander Jagiellon and Queens Elizabeth of Austria and Barbara Radziwill. These treasures were originally unearthed in 1931 following a flood at the Vilnius Cathedral but were hidden by the Church shortly before the outbreak of World War II to prevent looting. While other parts of the cathedral treasury were found in the 1980s, these specific royal items remained missing until their recent rediscovery.

The display presents significant historical artifacts that have undergone conservation due to their fragile state after decades in hiding. Notable items include three funeral crowns, a scepter, an orb, and personal jewelry such as gold chains and rings adorned with emeralds, rubies, and diamonds. A major highlight is a unique medallion made from a 1533 10-ducat coin featuring portraits of Sigismund the Old and Sigismund II Augustus. This collection offers a rare look at Renaissance-era craftsmanship and the shared dynastic history of Poland and Lithuania.

Practical details

Location described by the source: Vilnius Church Heritage Museum; www.govilnius.lt
Area for browsing nearby events: Vilnius

Before attending

Check the sources below for current opening times, admission prices and registration requirements. A date range does not mean the event runs continuously or that admission is free.